Motet Notes

Heinrich Schütz: "O süßer Jesu Christ, " SWV 405 - Symphoniae Sacrae III

By 1650, the year of the publication of the third book of Sacred Symphonies, Schütz had so assimilated the Italian style of his youth that the Italianate and Germanic qualities live together in perfect harmony. In our Sacred Symphony "O süßer Jesu Christ," SWV 405, the liquid Italianate lines are manipulated in a virtuosic Germanic style. The wonderful dancy chorus entries add yet another stylistic element to this adorable yet deeply felt piece.

©Craig Smith